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Product Differentiation, Export Participation and Productivity Growth: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Firms

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  • Hu, Cui
  • Tan, Yong

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate how the degree of export participation and product differentiation affect firms’ productivity growth through learning-by-exporting. We extend the model of Melitz and Ottaviano (2008) to endogenize the effort firms allocate to learning. This choice depends on both the degree to which firms enter export markets and the extent to which products are differentiated across producers. Using a firm-level dataset from China’s manufacturing industries, we implement propensity score matching methods to test the model’s predictions. Our results indicate that the degree of export participation is positively correlated with TFP improvements. Simultaneously, we empirically verify that firms exporting less differentiated products experience faster TFP growth than those exporting more differentiated products.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, Cui & Tan, Yong, 2015. "Product Differentiation, Export Participation and Productivity Growth: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Firms," MPRA Paper 65343, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:65343
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    Cited by:

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    2. Zuanjiu Zhou & Zhong Liu, 2023. "The Impact of Place-Based Policies on Firm Performance: Evidence from China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-19, April.
    3. Huang, Junbing & Cai, Xiaochen & Huang, Shuo & Tian, Sen & Lei, Hongyan, 2019. "Technological factors and total factor productivity in China: Evidence based on a panel threshold model," China Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 54(C), pages 271-285.
    4. Zhang, Dongyang, 2019. "Can export tax rebate alleviate financial constraint to increase firm productivity? Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 529-540.
    5. Zhang, Cheng & Yao, Yangyang & Zhou, Han, 2023. "External technology dependence and manufacturing TFP: Evidence from China," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
    6. Zumian Xiao & Hongfeng Peng & Zheyao Pan, 2022. "Innovation, external technological environment and the total factor productivity of enterprises," Accounting and Finance, Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand, vol. 62(1), pages 3-29, March.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Export participation; Product differentiation; TFP; Learning-by-exporting.;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • F1 - International Economics - - Trade
    • L1 - Industrial Organization - - Market Structure, Firm Strategy, and Market Performance

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